Today, Sony announced that it is bringing together Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment in a new entity. It’s called Sony Interactive Entertainment.

The new consolidated entity will be headquartered in San Mateo, California and will be in charge of research, development and sales for the PlayStation as well as hardware, software, network services and other content.

“By integrating the strengths of PlayStation’s hardware, software, content and network operations, SIE will become an even stronger entity, with a clear objective to further accelerate the growth of the PlayStation business,” said Sony’s Andrew House in an official statement.

“Along with our business partners, SIE will develop pioneering services and products that will continue to inspire consumers’ imaginations and lead the market,” House continued. “We will work hard to maximize corporate value by coordinating global business operations across San Mateo, Tokyo, and London by leveraging local expertise.”

Sony Computer Entertainment was founded in November 1993 and went on to launch its first PlayStation console in December 1994. Sony Network Entertainment was established in 2010 to produce services and content for the PlayStation Network.

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The change will take place on April 1, when Japanese companies start their business year. A Sony spokesperson confirmed to Kotaku that both Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony Network Entertainment will cease to exist as separate entities and will be replaced by the newly combined SIE.

Top image: Getty Images Europe

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